If Jerry Rice was going to continue to play football, he didn't want to be watching from the sidelines nearly every play. After being named the Denver Broncos' fourth wide receiver, Rice decided to retire, ending his 20-year career.

At age 42, Rice has had one of the most successful careers in the NFL. He thought he would be the team's third receiver coming into this season, but he just didn't have what he used to.

"This is a happy day," Rice said. "I think the tears that you see basically is that I have really enjoyed this ride. I'm done. I'm looking forward to the next phase of my life."

Some people believe that the Broncos' would have cut Rice is he wasn't a Hall of Fame receiver. Out of respect for his career, he is leaving on his own terms.

"I've pushed this body for 20 years," Rice said. "I was never a coach potato, I was always working out. I had to prove myself every year."

Rice only had four catches for 24 yards in the preseason, which bumped him down the depth chart.

In his career, Rice has caught 1,549 passes for 22,895 yards and 197 touchdowns.